DAA Northwest smashes records with two-day Rock & Roll event
DAA Northwest broke all previous Rock & Roll Sale records last week with 5,047 consigned units, 3,612 sold and an average sale price of $18,750. With gross sales at $67mm and 1,750 dealers in attendance, business in the lanes was brisk.
McConkey Auction Group (MAG) president and CEO Bob McConkey credits all three MAG auctions with the success. “Ramping up for volumes like this takes collaboration and hard work,” he said. “Our Spokane team worked diligently for weeks and even months in advance to prepare for the Rock & Roll Sale. Last week, we were joined by staff from our Seattle and Kansas City auctions as well.” Employees from DAA Seattle and KCI Kansas City assisted DAA Northwest’s staff with condition report writing, block clerking, ringing in the lanes, checking-in guests and more. “We are a team, and we share the same core values of integrity, excellence, professionalism and fun,” said McConkey. “I am blown away by the talent and the hard work our people bring to the market every week – not just during the Rock & Roll Sale.”
According to DAA Northwest’s general manager David Pendergraft, “…bringing classic rock legend John Fogerty into the middle of things generated tremendous excitement and record consignment.” The auction’s Wednesday sale featured 2,000 units from Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit, Toyota Financial Services, Lexus Financial Services, Kia Motors America, Hyundai Capital, Honda Remarketing, Acura Remarketing, Avis Budget Group, Ally Auto Remarketing, Harley-Davidson Financial Services and more. As soon as the 82% sale concluded, crews swept through the auction, transforming it into a festival-style concert venue complete with complimentary buffets and a variety of food trucks and bars. Dealers and their guests returned to the auction that evening as its house band, The Cronkites, opened for Rock & Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty. Prior to the concert, national account executives and industry guests enjoyed networking in a hospitality tent provided by AutoIMS and TPC Management. “This event gives our industry colleagues an opportunity to network and enjoy themselves in a casual, fun environment,” said Pendergraft.
As Thursday’s Rock & Roll Sale began, DAA Northwest treated customers’ spouses to a special “Sweetheart’s Day on the Town” event. Over 50 guests enjoyed a day of shopping complete with a private luncheon and fall fashion preview at Nordstrom before returning to the auction that afternoon. The sale culminated with $75,000 in post-sale prizes.
Reflecting on the event, McConkey quoted Mick Jagger by stating “I know it’s only rock and roll, but I like it!”
